Mail Thief Arrested for Aggravated Identity Theft, Stolen Cr...

Chicago, IL - A joint operation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), and Palos Heights Police Department (PHPD) resulted in the arrest of Sahran Almasri, 37, of Tinley Park, IL, on February 13, 2026. Almasri was identified as the suspect responsible for stealing a Palos Heights resident's credit card from the mail and compromising the victim's identity. Almasri used the stolen credit card, along with a fake ID containing the victim's information, to spend thousands of dollars at a Chicagoland luxury car rental company.

Based on the investigation, Almasri was charged by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office with one felony count of aggravated identity theft. Additional charges are possible as the investigation continues. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service appreciates the assistance of the USPS-OIG and PHPD in this investigation, as well as the ongoing partnership with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office.

"The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is dedicated to defending the nation's mail system from criminal activity, protecting United States Postal Service employees and customers, and preserving the integrity of the U.S. Mail," said Mary T. Johnson, Acting Inspector in Charge, Chicago Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. "We value our law enforcement partners for supporting our mission."

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.